The Shanty, 10th Sept 1857

Dear Philosopher,

I received your

note of yesterday this A.M. I am glad you write me so frankly. I know well how dear one’s own time & solitude may be, and I would not on any con- sideration, violate the sanctity of your prerogative. I fear too that I may have

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heretofore trespassed upon your time too much. If I have please pardon me as I did so unwittingly. I felt the need of congenial Society & sought yours I forget that I could not render you an equivalent. It’s good for one to be checked - to be thrown more and more upon his own resources. I have lived years of solitude (seeing only my own family, & Uncle James occasionally,) and was never happier.

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My heart however was then more buoyant and the woods and fields - the birds & flowers, but more than these, my rural meditations afforded me a constant source of the truest enjoyment. I admire your strength & fortitude to battle the world. I am a weak and broken seed. Have charity for me, if not sympathy. Can any one heart know another’s?

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If not let us suspend our too hasty judgement against those from whom we differ. I hope to see you in due time at Brooklawn where you are always a welcome & instructive guest. With my kind regards to your family I remain Yours faithfully D. Ricketson